Recent Approaches to Research/Evaluation

Subject EDUC90718 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

Semester 1, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

Semester 1, Parkville - Taught online/distance.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 24 contact hours
Total Time Commitment: 120 hours total time commitment
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: It is preferable to have completed the subject Program Evaluation: Forms and Approaches prior to commencement of this subject.
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Assoc Prof Rosalind Hurworth

Contact

Education Student Centre
Subject Overview: This subject aims to present recent approaches used within various types of research and ‘early-stage’ or developmental evaluations such as: Needs Assessment; Literature Syntheses; Action Research; Participatory Research/Evaluation, and; Appreciative Inquiry. These activities can assist with decision-making about programs and policy development.

Cutting-edge techniques used in association with these approaches will also be introduced and practised. Methods to be covered include: The Nominal Group Technique; Ideawriting; Most Significant Change Technique; Search Conferences; and Photo Language. Exercises will draw on real examples of research and evaluation practice.
Objectives: On completion of this subject students should be able to:

• understand various forms of small-scale research and evaluation needed for program design, development of programs and program improvement;
•choose appropriate approaches to answer particular research and evaluation questions;
• understand the theory underpinning various approaches and techniques;
•apply each of the techniques presented through practice; and
•write research and evaluation reports that incorporate these approaches.

Assessment:

There are three pieces of assessment:

  • 1. Written task of 1500 words due in Week 4 (30% );
  • 2. Written task of 3000 words due at the end of the subject (60%);
  • 3. Class or forum participation throughout the semester (10%).
Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Related Course(s): Master of Evaluation
Master of Evaluation
Postgraduate Certificate in Evaluation

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